Does Waipa Council want to privatize water services?

Suspicion persists that the Waipa Council’s rush to install water meters is because they want to privatize water services. “I'm afraid there is no doubt in my mind that privatization is behind this rush to install meters. The present government believes wholeheartedly in privatization and they have been looking at water for some time. As they are liable to be defeated at the next election they are targeting Right-Wing councils and councilors to get going with water privatization.” [Waikato Times, 2 February 2017]